Philippine Red Cross Secretary General Dr. Gwendolyn T. Pang with District 3800 Zone 2 Senior Assistant Governor Paola Acebedo, Assistant Governors Cocoy Navarro, Rosette Pile, and Ruthie Batican, and Hope Creating Presidents during the District 3800 Zone 2 Intercity Meeting dubbed “United Wellness” at the Great Eastern Hotel, Quezon City, on November 25. (Photo: KSAA-PIA CPSD)
Trigger Warning: Self-harm
QUEZON CITY (PIA) – Clubs belonging to Rotary District 3800 Zone 2 expressed their commitment to partnering with the Philippine Red Cross in delivering psychosocial support to communities through awareness drives and outreach programs, among others.
Philippine Red Cross Secretary-General Dr. Gwendolyn T. Pang called on volunteers to deliver psychosocial first aid on the ground, highlighting that it is equally important as food and relief assistance during calamities. She highlighted that “there is no health if there is no mental health” during the District 3800 Zone 2 Inter-city Meeting at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City, on November 25.
Aside from the limited funding that hinders the expansion of mental health services during emergencies, the subsequent disasters or crises happening in the country, as well as the lack of awareness about mental health and available support in different communities, are the challenges that need to be addressed.
The partnership aims not just to address the human resource problem but also to increase awareness and eradicate stigma in the communities.
Dr. Pang shared that the Philippines has the highest natural disaster risk worldwide. According to a 2022 study, it was given a disaster risk index (WRI) of 46.82, followed by Indonesia (WRI 43.50) and India (WRI 41.52). The Philippines is situated on both the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Typhoon Belt, so its citizens are facing several natural disasters. Hence, psychosocial support and holistic well-being are necessary for Filipinos to be resilient.
However, based on reports, there are 450 million people worldwide who suffer from mental and behavioral disorders, of which 3.5 million are Filipinos.
Despite the existence of mental health laws in the country, the stigma remained high, and the percentage of Filipinos seeking professional help remained low. Thus, available support for those who need it must be mainstreamed.
“We have to remember that it is normal to feel sad, stressed, confused, scared, and angry, and we should not be afraid to ask for help when needed,” Dr. Pangan said.
Furthermore, we can be of help to others by simply giving the person our undivided attention, listening to their concerns, and showing care and respect. Dr. Pangan also reminded everyone to refrain from challenging someone who shows indications of possible self-harm, to not ignore someone who is sharing his/her story; to stop invalidating someone’s feelings and instead be more encouraging and present.
For those who want to volunteer and train for psychosocial support, you need to fill out the online application form through redcross.ph/volunteer. You may also personally go to the National Headquarters in Mandaluyong or to the local chapter nearest you to complete the profile form. You can inquire through the website at www.redcross.org.ph, call 7902300 LOCAL 945, or send an email to [email protected].
In case you or someone you’re acquainted with needs help, you may contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553 or 1800-1888-1553 (Nationwide landline toll-free) or reach out to 0917-899-8727, 0966-351-4518 (Globe/TM), or 0908-639-2672 (Smart/Sun/TNT). Additionally, you may also contact the DOH Health Promotions Bureau at [email protected] or call 8651-7800 local 2830 or 2825. You may also reach out to the DOH Communication Unit at [email protected] or call 8651-7800 local 1136, or the DOH Special Care Division at [email protected] or call 8651-7800 local 1733. (KSAA – PIA CPSD)
